THE DECK!!!!!

THE DECK!!!!!

The deck - Wow- as if we weren't tired enough.  We dug 9 wholes that where 30" deep and 12" across (dug below the frost line).   This was for the footings of the deck.  After much thought and research we decided to go with the sonatube (cardboard round tubes.) to put in the holes, pour concrete in, and then the bracket that would hold the 6x6 and 4x4's.

                           
Next we ordered 6x6, 4x4, 2x8's brackets, nails and supplies for the pergola from Pro Build.  They helped us design and figure out all the supplies that would be needed for the job.  We had it priced out to have a contractor do it, but we figured we could do it ourselves and save the 5000 to 7000 extra that it would have costed to have someone come and do it.

After clearing all the grass out for the area, relocating lots of dirt out of the area, leveling the ground (as best as possible), and laying down weed cloth, we were now ready to start decking. 





After the concrete had dried in the sonatubes, we drilled the ledger onto the house.  The joist hangers had to be measured out and attached to the ledger.  














Next we put the 6x6 posts in the front (by the grass) and the 4x4 posts in the back (by the house).  We did different sizes for the support of the pergola.




We then attached the header (big board on the front of the 6x6's).  Again we needed to measure out where to attach the brackets (even with the ones on the ledger).  The joist hangers were hammered on with about 8 nails each.

 We found decking off of ksl.com from a company that was selling Port Orford Cedar for a really good price.  We were able to get enough for the whole deck and save tons of money over Trex. 









We started staining all the wood as soon as possible, as this process took a long time.  We were recommended Super Deck stain as it held up the best. 



Next it was time for the framing.  After all the framing was done, we were able to start laying the decking.

We used this decking tool to help, and it was absolutely wonderful.  It allowed you to screw the screws in at an angle on each board and keep the spacing between each the same.  

We are currently waiting for better weather to finish the pergola.  I will post as we go.  

  The 6x6 poles- we used a router and routed out enough to put the beam in on each side.   

We used brackets and attached the beams on the brackets with threaded rods, nuts, washers, and lock washers. 









 We measured out and hung the brackets for the beams.  





Time to hang the 2x4's

 

 We found some sunscreens at Costco for 50.00 each and thought they would help with the afternoon sun.  They work great and were easy to hang. 

 We love the deck.  It was a lot of hard work, but we feel it was worth it!!!